Chain-assembling machine



F. MLLER.

CHAIN ASSEMBLING MACHINE.

APPucmqn nm) ma. 10. ma. afuswfo MAY 14.1918.

Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

F. MLLER.

CHAIN ASSEMBLING MACHINE.

Wdrzwswz 74 [LL JM F. MULLEH.

CHMN SSEMBLING MACHINE.

APPucmoN HLED MM. 10, 1918. RENcwED MAY 14,1919.

Patented Jan. 18, 1921.-

SHEETSMSHEET 3.

F. MLLER.

CHAIN ASSEMBLING MACHNE. APPLlcAHoN HLED MAR. lo. 1918. RENEWED MAY 14,1919,

1,365,940. Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

7SHEETS-SHEET 4.

F. MLLER.

CHAIN ASSEMBLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION HLED MAR.l 10, 19 1,365,940.

16. RENEWED MAY 14.1919.

Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

7 SHEETwSHEET 5.

V/l//l/ Wz'irzexw 56 F` MLLER.

CHMN ASSEMBLING MACHINE.

APPucAnoN FIYLED MAR.10.1916. RENEWED MAY 14,1919. 1,365,940.

v Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

F. MLLER.

CHIN SSEMBLING MACHINE. APPLlcAnon mio 81.10.1916. nENEwED MAY 14.1919.

Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

SHEETS--SHEET 7.

o Q xxx affmw 45m n JO UNITED sTA'res rA'rENT oFFlcs.

FRIEDERICH NLLER. OF :HARTFORD `C0N'NECTIGUT` ASSIGNOB T0 THE WHITNEY MFQ. C0., OF HARTFORD, CONNECTIC'UT, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT.

CHAIN-ASSEMBLIN'G` MACHINE.

Application filed `March 10, 1916, Serial No. 83,248.

To all -whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Fmnnnnion Mi'nnnii, a citizen of the United States, residing at I-lartford` in the county of Hartford and Statcof Connecticut, have Vinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Chain-Assembling ,Machines of which the following is a specification.

This invention rclatcs to chainassembling machines, and has for its object to provide a machinetadapted toautomatically assemble the links and connecting elements formino the chain structure.

``The ipreferred embodiment of the intention as herein described comprises five trains of mechanism, to Wit: hopper and ('hute mechanism for the chain parts, ejector mechanism adapted to remove a desired number of parts from the chntes, transfer and compression meohanism, feeding mechanism, and safetydstop mechanism. The present embodiment of the invention is adapted to assemble a chain, or chain unit, comprising sets `of two oppositely arranged outer links, eachiset embracing at one end an intermediate7 link connection with a prcceding set of Liouter links and embracing at the opposite end an intermediate link connection with a succeeding set of outer links, each set of outer links being connected `with 'the intermediate links by a pair of connectingg; elements, bushings.

The links and bushings, in a preferred embodiment. are placed. in hoppers and are fed :from the hoppers into a series of chutes 'which carry the said parts into register With for example, a pair of i ejectorimechanism. `The cjector Inechanisrn ren'iores thel desired number of parts from the chutes and delivers the same to an assembling means, preferably embodying a transfer and compression mechanism, and the latter mechanism in co'action with the feeding mechanism, assembles thesaid parts. Thefeeding mechanism acts to carry an initial outer link `first into register with that member of the` transfer mechanism which advances a connecting element, e. a bushing, secondly, into position to receiveasecond connecting element or bushing, thirdly, to connect said first bushing to an intermediate link or links, fourthly,`to connect said second bushing with a succeedngintermediate link or links, and fifthly, into position to receive an opposite outer link con- Patented Jan. 18, 1921.

Renewed May 14, 1919. Serial No. 297,161.

meeting its two bushings and completing the cham or chain unit to that point. The safety-stop niechanism is such that when any interruption occurs in the transfer of bushinizs or when foiI any cause the assembl ino' of the Chain does not proceed in proper sequence and a part is improperly placed and jams, the increased load resulting on the machine throws the `safety-stop into action and the machine comes to a stop. A

`description will subsequently be given of each train of mechanism in its order.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a front elevation partly in section and with parts broken away of a machine embodying the improvements;

` Fin. 2 is a longitudinal section of the same below the hoppcr mechanism;

Fig``` is a plan view of the machine below the hopper mechanism;

Fig. 4, is a plan View of the hopper mechanism;

Fig. is a transverse sectional view of the hopper mechanism;

Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 9 are detail sectional views of certain elements of the hopper meohanism Fig. 10 is a front elevation, partly in section, of the lower portion of the machine, ifllnstrating members of the ejector and transfer mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a transverse section-al view of the lower portion of the machine illustratingniembers of the feeding and Safety-stop mechanism i i Fig. 12 is a transverse section of the machine on the line l2-L2, Fig. 2;

Figs. 1.8, 111: and 15 are detail Views of the Safety-stop mechanism and certain driving parts;

Fig. 16 is inechanism Figs. 17 and 18 are detail sectional` Views of transfer and feeding elements;

Fig. 17 a is a view illustrating in connection with Fig. 17 the formation of a chain;

Fig. 18a is a similar view in connection with Fig. 18;

Fisz. 19 is a sectional view of the lower `portion ofa chute :for the bushings, and the forward portion of a bushing transfer member; and

Fig. 20 is a trans'verse sectional view of certain members of the transfer mechanism on the line A-i-A, Fig. 16.

a plan view of the transfer The kopper and chata mecha'nsmr-Supported upon a series of standards 1 is a table 2 which is provided with a series of counter'- sunk seats 3 to receive the depending base projections L1 of a series of hoppers 5, three in the present instance, which are designed to hold links; and the table also is provided with a. vertically projecting boss G reduccd at its upper end to aiford a seat for the reduced lower end of a hoppu' 7 adapted to hold the link-connecting elements or bushings. Approximately at the longitudinal center of the table three apertures are formed in the latterfor the reception of three chutes A, B and C, and each chute is connxted with its hopper by means of a slide-way forined as follows: The base of each slide-way is a plate 8 formed with an aperture for the reception of its chute. At one point the wall of each hopper is thickened as at 9 and forined with an opening into which one end of the plate 8 projects, a shoulder 8 on the plate contacting with an outer face of the hopper, see Pig. 5. The upper face of each plate 8 is at level with the upper horizontal face of a. rim or iange 10 of a rotary cene 11 within each hopper 5, the cone being of a size to fit the hopper somewhat closely so that no appreciable space is permitted between rim 10 and the hopper wall. It will be understood that the rotation of cone 11 will tend by centrifugal action to force the links outwardly and thus through the opening in the hopper wz ll and onto slide-plate 8. Each plate 8 is formed with a laterally projecting arm and second laterally projecting arm f, each of which is secured to the wall 9 of the hopper by the bolt 12. Each plate 8 is provided with a cover plate 18 forrned with a longitudinal channelway 1d to permit passage of the links and is secured to the slide-plate by means of a series of fastening screws 15.

An opening 13a is formed near the outer end otl each cover plate and in register with the appropriate chute for the pass-age of the end of a tamping member, hereinafter described. (See Each rotary cone 11 is provided with a spindle 16 projecting through an opening forined in the table and having secured thereon at its lower end a gear wheel 17. Each of the two rearmost gear Wheels 17 is in mesh with a gear wheel 18 on a shaft 19 extending transversely of and journaled in suitable bearing bosses 20 afliorded by the table 2. rThe rotary cene in the foremost of the three hoppers is, as indicated in Fig. a, driven through the connection with its gear wheel 17 of a gear wheel 18X at one end of a shaft 21 journaled below the table 2 in suitable bearing bosses, such as 22, and connected at its rear end by means of gears 23, 23x with shaft 19. Shaft 19 is provided with a band wheel driven by a belt from any suitable source of power.

As indicated in Fig. 8 the links, of which one is shown in dottcd lines at 25 (Fig. 8), are fed endwise into the slide-way channel 14:. To insure that each link will ho ih'd endwise into the slide-way 14. a stopshoulder 20 is placed at ono side o'l' lhc slideway to project slightly l'..j,iond thel inne!` wall of the hopper innnediatcly :lwm' the flange 10 of the rotary druni, and at lihc opposite side of the slideiay placed :z turning-blade 27. As the drnin rotal'cs in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 8, the links will be thrown out fardly against the wall of the hopper and those rcsting lirectl \7 upmi the riin 10, with their pointsl 25* turned inwardly, will not be aifected by the shonldcr 2G and turning-blade, but will be pushcd inwardly by the shouldor and passed over (ho blade. But when a link comes into proper position on the lange 10, that is.. with ils points turned toward the onter wall, ils forward portion will strike tin'ninw-bladc 27 about the same time that its rcai 1rd point will strike shoulder 26, so that the link will be swung` to the right and cndwisc into the slide-way 14-, the pressure of succccdin,a` links feeding`` it forward untilv it comes into register with its proper chute.

lVhen a link comes into register with its chute, it is subjected to the action of a reciprocatory tainpiug device. The taniping dcvice compriscs the horizontally disposod triangular-::'hapcd plate 28 carrying at each of its Corners a socket ineniber 28a in which is honsed the spring-pressed plunger E28 in register with a chute opening. Platc 25% is carried at the upper end of :i rod 20 slidingly fitted within an aperture ;30 forineo in table 2, and projecting below said tabh` ''or connection with a lcvcr 31 fulcruinod at 32 upon a bracket arin depending froin table 2, the said lever bcinh forined with a Yokoshaped rearward end to einbrace an eccentric 34 upon shaft 19. lt will be understood ll at endwise reciprocation of lever 31 will impart reciprocatory inoveinents to the tainping device, and that the plnngers QR will be brought into contact with links fed into register with the chutos, and that said links will be forced downwardly.

Lerer 01 is also utilzcd to iuipa-'t rc: iprocatorj,7 inovcinents to an agzjitator 332 located within the bushing-hopper 7. Anitator 35 is in the form of a slcevc havingT a. central longitudinal division wall 3.7 separating the slcevc into two 'oinpartinents. each coinpartinent receiving one of two stationary chutes 86, 36* for the bushings, said chutes 36, 36X being connected at their lower ends to the chute D. ring 37 is clainpefl upon the agitator-sleeve 35 near its lower end, the said ring carrying a pin 38 cinbraced by the forkcd end 31 of lever 31. By the aroresaid instrun cntalitics the ugitator sleeve 35 is given reciprocatory movefill lllfl ments within hopper 7 simultaneously with the movements of the tamping device 28.

Each chute A, B, C and D is formed with an outwardly curved lower section comprising the rear plate 39 and front plate 39, the said plates being secured to a part of the frame work by means of bolts 40 (Fig. 2). Each of the rear `plates 39 of chutes A, B and U is formed with a rectangular socket immediately below the discharge end of the chuteand each socket communicates with a horizontal aperture,.as seen in Fig. 2. The

Vrectangular socket of each chute receives a pressure block 41 provided with a stem 42 within the said horizontal aperture and pressed forward by a springr located within the said aperture, for the purpose hereinafter described. The chute D, which receives the bushings, is provided at its lower end with a cap member 43 having two Vertical apentures 43 by means of which the bushings are received from the chute in two parallel rows of superposed elements, as shown in Figs. 10 and 19.

The ejectm' amd transfer wwchanism.-The ejector mcch anism removes a set of the chain parts from the chutes and delivers them to the transfer mechanism. The ejector meinbers are rigidly fixed upon a Vertical reciprocatory frame of inverted `U-shape, as shown in Fig. 10,' a cross-bar 71 being securecl to each Vertical depending arm of the frame by means of screws 72. Theicrossbar 71 of frame 70 is provided with a threaded aperture to receive a stud screw 7 3 which carries a friction roller 74 catering the cam slot 75 of a cam wheel 76 fixed upon shaft 50, the cam slot 75`being so arranged that intermittent Vertical reciprocatory movements are imparted to frame 70. The ejector members A, BX, C `are arranged to cooperate with the `chutes A, B and C for the links, while the ejector member D is arranged to coperate with the chute D for the bushings. Each cjector member for the links is formed with a .depending beveled nose a `(see Figs. 2 and 10) which projects below the bottom of plate 39 of the chute structure, and Acontacts with the outer1 face of spring-pressed block 41 and coperates with the said block to close the chute. Each of the said ejector members for the links is provided with a countersunk seat 77, and the top of said seat is in line with the top of the chute, as shown in Fig. 2, affording a shoulder at that point. The action of the tampingmechanism will. exert a pressure on the links within the chutes, and the lowermost link in each chute will be `pressed into the seat 77 of its ap ropriate ejector member, so that the shou der at the top of said seat will engage the upper edge of the link in each case. The spring-pressed block 41 locatedbelow each chute at its delivery end will prevent 'the link in .the seat 77 from moving downwardly out of position when the ejector member is in upperor link receiving position, but as the top of each block 41 is beveled, it will afford no obstruction to the downward movement of the ejector member and the link carried thereby.

llVhen the links are ejected from the chute-s upon the downward movement of the ejector members, their desccnt is terminated by Shoulders on the trans er members and thereupon a reverse and upward movement is given to frame 70, and the ejector meinbcrs. But before the said upward movement of the ejector members takes place a set of plunger pins are projected through their respective openinrs in the transfer members and into the cnd aperturcs of the links, so that in the upward movcment of the ejector members the links are hold by' the transfer members, as hereinafter more fully clescribed. The ejector member D for the hushings provided with two taps 78 in register with the open top slots 43x in (rap 43 (Figrs. 10 and 19) g and the open/.top slots ..9 in bushing' transfer member are of a depth each to hold one bushing, so that in the (loii'nvrzu'd movcment of the ejcctor member Dy taps 78 press upon the columns of bushinos in Cap 43 and insure that two bushings will be movcd downwardly into the slots in bushinoycarrier 59. The transfer mechanism roniprises a frame 44 slidinrly supported upon thc main frame F. The transfer frame 44 is provided with a central threadcd aperti'u'c 45 to receive the upper thrcadcd end of a Stud scrcw 46 (see Figrs. 2 and 1G) which carries at its lower end a friction roller 47 fitted within the slot 48 of a ('am wheel (see Fig. .Jam wheel 49 is fixcd upon shaft 50, and its cam slot is so arranged that the transfer frame 44 is given reciprocatory movements lengthwise of the machine `to carry the parts from the r'hutes `to the feediuof inechanisni. Fixed 'upon the transfer fi ma 44 by means of the screws 51 is a bracket plate 52 provided at its forward end with a seat at the base of which is a stop-shoulder 52 shapcd to conform with one edge surface of a link (prcferably the longitudinal Curved side of the link). llxtcndinz transversely of the seat in bracket plate 52 are two apertures into which are slidingly fitted the two rods 54 connected at their inner ends by means of the head 55 ('arrying the projectingr pin-56. The rods 54 have redu'ccd forward ends 54X of a diameter slightly less than the end apertures formed in the links.

The encs 54x of rods 54 willhereinafter be tcrmed plunger pins The bracket plate 52 is heldby frame 44 imniediately below the chute A, and in the operation of the machine a iuoinlor n of the ejector mechw nism 'will carry a link from chute A downward into the seat 52* of the bracket plate at a time when the plunger pins 54 are retracted, the link being held by the ejector member until the said plunger pins 54 are brought forward and into the end apertures of the link to hold the latter in position when the ejector member is withdrawn. The frame 44 has ;fixed thereon, by means of the screws 5W, a second bracket plate 57 also provided with apertures to receive two rods 541 having reduced ends or plung'er pins 58, the rods being` connected at their inner ends by a head 55a carrying a proiecting` pin 56. Below thel plungef pins 58 the bracket plate 57 is provided with a stop-shoulder 64, shaped in accord with and for the same purpose as stop-shonlder 52. Intermediate the bracket plates 52 and 57 is a bushing-carrier 59 sliding'ly mounted on the frame 44 and formed at its forward end with the open-top slots 59 for the reception of bushings from the Vertical apertures 43 in ca-p member 43 (Figs. 10 and 1.9). 'Into the inner end of the bushing'rarrier 59 is threaded the reduced end of a rod 60 projectin); through Vertical. i'iange 44X of frame 44 and provided with a head 61 between which and fiange 44 is interposed a spiral spring 62 surrounding the rod, rlfhe transfer frame 44 also carries bracket plate 63 which is formed with parallel longitudinal apertures to receive two rods 54b connected by means of a head 55b carrying projecting pins 56. The rods 54b carried by bracket plate 63 are duplicates of those carried by bracket plates 52 and 57, and therefore have reduced ends or plunger pins 65 projecting through apertures formed in the said plate 63 above a stop-shonlder 66 for the links ejected from chute C The bracket plate 68 is slidingly mounted on frame 44 and7 like bushinggcarrier 59, is provided with a threaded aperture at its inner end to receive the reduced threafled end of a rod 67 projecting through fiange 44 of transfer frame 44, and having at its end a head 68 between which and the i'lange 44 is interposed a spiral spring 69 surrounding the rod.

The bushing-carrier 59 and bracket plate 63 in addition to their movement with the transfer frame to. transfer a set of parts from the chutes to the feeding mechanism are also given a still greater movement or thrust, the one to press bushings into apertnres at the acent ends of two links, and the other to press the final outer link onto the ends of two bushings.

The means for Operating` plunger pins 54.X, 58 and 65 will now be described. Assuming` that the plunger pins are in retracted position, as shown in Fig. 2, and that the eiector members have descended, a set of links having been placed in position with their end openings in register with the plunger pin 54, 58, and 65, shaft 50 in its continued rotation will cause the active portion of cam slot 79 in am wheel 49 to rock elbow level' 81 on its fulcruni so that the upper end of said elbow lerer will swing` outwardly and through its pirotal connection 83 with cam bar 84 Figs. 2, 3 and 12) more the lattor to the left from the position shown in Fig. 12. Cam bar 64 is slidingly supported within an ;'pertnro formed in cross-plate F* of the inain ;frame F and is provided with a horizontalh`v prolieeting` portion 84 formed with cam slots ef) (Fig. into each of which projocts a pin 56 carried by one of the hcads 5:1 58-3 55b connectingv two rods :"-lV or -l or Fill for a Set of the plunger pins. vl'n the inoi'enie'nt of Cain` bar S4; to the right. from the position shown in Fig. 129 the plnnger pins are caused to move forwardly into the end apertures of the links and at this nioveincnt cam slot acts upon the roller of stud screw 73 to cause the upward movenient of frame 70 and the ejector members. ;it this point of the machine operation the transfer frame 44 is moved bodily forward to transfer the set of parts carried thereby to the :feeding' mechanism.

The means for actnatiing the transfer frame 44-, as hereinhefore desrrihmh con]- prises shaft 50, cam wheel 49 and fi'iction roller 47.

intermediate the feeding mechanisni ;1mse and the transfer mcchanisni is a Yertili'ally disposed supporting plate '0,6 :Jeated upon a. horizonl'al portion of the main frame li` and provided with a .shallow hoi'izontal clearance slot S7 for the purpose heroinaftei' described. At the end of the forward movement of transfer frame :ir-t the set of vhain parts carried thereby is placed against the face of f-;upporting plate 86 at points slifrhtlv above and slightly below the clearance slot 87 at a time when the feedingi; members haro reached the end of a feerling nioveinent as will be hereinafter set lforth. The chain parts are thus held until the feedine' meinbers are retracted and moi'ed to the left from their advanced feeding position (Fin. 17) into the position shown in Figi". 18. and thence forwardly into initial fceding position. The feeding mechanism will now he described.

T718 /fecd''nf/ /icclia'it'lsvi?. -it its forward end the horizontal portion of the main frame F is provided with a channo 65% having; undercut side walls to receive the base portion of a sliding frame 89 (Figljs. 1.1412) i the latter frame being' formed with a threaded apertnre to receive the stud screw 90 carrying` friction roller Q'l which enragzes the peripheral cam slot 92 of a cam 'wheel 93 fixed upon shaft 50. he sliding' frame S9 is provided with a transverse rib 89X (Fin: 2) fornied with divergently extending` side .llll

llf)

l'lU

Walls in accord withv the converging side walls of a groove in a feed carriage 911 slidingly mounted upon the said rib 89x. The feed carriage 94 is provided with a Verticallly projecting plate 941X formed with a horizontal row of apertures to receive a series of feed-pins, in this instance fourteen pins iliclicated a to n respectively, Figs. 17 and 18. The first three of these ins, a, 7), o at their outer ends are of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the link apertures, and the remaining pins at their outer ends` are of a diameter slghtl less than the interior diameter of the bus lings. The feed carriage 94`is connected at 131 with the upper end of an elbow lever 132 fulcrumed at 133 upon the main frame F and carryi'ng a. friction roller 134 received. within the cam slot of a cam wheel 136 fixed upon shaft 50; In the initial movement of the feed carriage 94, cam 136 acts upon lever 132 to slide the carriage to the right (Fig. 11) upon frame 89 to impart a feeding movement to the chain elements. During the feeding movement of carriage 4-1, the transfer means 'is retraeted. Atthe end ofiafeeding movemcnt, cam 93 moves frame 89with carriage 941 outwardly and the feeding pins are withdrawn from the link apertures as the transfer members advance and finally press the chain parts against the face of support-img block 86, the said chain parts being thus hold in position until cam 136 acts to slide the feed carriage back into initial position immediately prior to an :inward or forward movement of the frame 89 to again cause the feeding pins to enter link apertnres for a succeeding feeding movement. The feeding carriage may he provided with adjustable stop niembers137 to act 'against a block 137* fixed upon the frame S9, (Fig. 11,), if desired.

The feeding mechanism operates to advance the chain elements by intermittent `movement so that an outer link 100 presented by bracket plate 52 is by successive feeding movements presented first to the bushing-carrier 59 which by successive opera'tions presses two bushings 101 in its end `apertures, secondly to link-ti'ansferring bracket plate 57 which by succe. ``Ye operations` bridges the gap between said outer link and the preceding andv succeoding outcr links by the transfer of an intermediate or connector link or links 102` and thirdly to link-transferring bracket plate 63 which completes the Chain unit by presenting to the first outer link its corresponding outer link 103, as illustrated in Figs. 17 to ltlf' inclusive.

The assemblng of the chata parter-In theoperation of the machine above described, the chain is assembled in the following manner: The slide or ejector n moves an outer link down on to the shoulder 52x on the slide 52, and while saidlslide n isin its lower position the pins 54 advance and enter the holes in the said link. The slide a is then raised and the member 4:4 carrying with it the elements 52, 59, 57 and 63, together with the pins-l, 58and 65. move forward the pins 51 carrying with them said outer link, shown at 100 in Fig. 17. This forward movement of the slide 44 serves to deliver the link to the pins a, Z) on the feeding member 911x, the latter being in its forward position similar to that shown in Fig. 17, but with the parts in a position .to the left of that shown in Fig.` 17, that is, with the pins a, b opposte the pins 5M Vhen said link has been delivered to the'pins a, b, the slide 411 ``carrying the pins 54:X is ret'racted, and the member 911n1oves laterally toV the right to the position shown ini Fig. 17. In this first lateral feeding movement of the feeding carrier 94, the said outer linkon the feed pins a., Z) is moved to the right until foremost apcrture,-. a., that one fa rthest to the right, comes into register with' the first, e.,`that to the left, of two bushings carried by the bushing carrier 59, this position of the feeding means being shown` in Fig. 17. Vhereupon, the member 9f comes to rest and the outerilink is consequently hold motionless on` the pins a, Z), and the transfer frame 1111 moves forwardlyand the bushing carrier 59 presses a bushing intoithe right hand or foremost linkaperture and remains in forward position to hold the link, with its foremost aperture holding a bushing, pressed against the face ofsupporting member or plate 86, while the member 91B and the feeding pins carried thereby are retracted and moved to the left to initial position (see Fig. 18). The next forward movement of the member 911* causes the feeding pins c, (Z to enter the link a1;ertures,th`e feeding pin (Z being smaller at its engaging end than the pin. o, enabling it to fit within the said bushing now seated in the right-hand link aperture;` At the same time that the pins c, d respectively enter' the rearmost link aperturc and the bore of the bushing in the foremost link aperture, the `pins a, 0 enter the apertures of a' link supported by the pins 54k. Upon the retraction of the transfer means 411, the member 91 and the feeding pins c, (Z carrying the first-nan'iedlink and bushing are moved laterally to the right, and

the said first-named link is advanced until its left-hand or rearward aperture comes into register with the right-hand bushing carried by the bushing carrier 59, whereupon, the transfer means is again advanced causing the carrier 59 to press its right-hand bushing into the left-hand link aperture, and its left-hand bushing into the right-hand aperture of the next succeeding outer link supported on the pins a, the right-hand aperture of the first link being in line with lOO and supported by the first pin of a series of four pns 101i rigidly inounted on the part 57. The feeding device 94x is then retraoted and returned to its initial position, as heretofore described, the transfer means in the meantime holding the chain and supporting the same against the member 86. In the next forward movement of the member 94c the pins e, f mounted thereon enterl the bores of the bushings seated in the link 100, and upon the lateral feeding movement of the part 94 the link is placed with the bores of the bushings therein in register with the two innermost of said four holding` pins 104icarried by said bracket plate 57, and the transfer means moving forward enters said pins 104i in said bushings, and holds the link against the member S6, whereupon, the member 94 returns to its initial position. Upon the next forward movement of the member 9% the pins g, h enter the bores of the bushings, and upon lateral morement of the member 9-l the link with the bushings is moved to the right until its righthand or foremost bushing comes into register with the left-hand plunger pin 58, and its left-hand bushing into register with the last pin 104, so that when the transfer means 4a again advances, two intermediate links 102 are presented to connect the rearward apertures of said intermediate links with the bushing in the forward end of the link 100, and the forward apertnres of said links 102 with the rearward end of a preceding outer link corresponding to the link 100. The transfer means then holds the Chain against the member 86 while the member 9-1X returns to initial position. n the next forward movement of the member 94t the pinsl j enter the bushings in the links, and upon the lateral movement of the member 94x. the outer link carrying the two bushings. and the intermediate links connected to the foremost bushing are shifted to the right until the left-hand bushing in the link comes into register with the right-hand plunger pin 58, and with its right-hand bushing in line with an intermediate pin 104 on the member '63, whereupon, the advance of the transfer frame 44 serves to connect the left-hand bushing on the link 100 to the right-hand. aperture of two succeeding outer links supported by the pins 58, and said outer link is connected to the succeeding outer link by the forward bushing of the latter being inserted in the rear or left-hand aperture of said innermost links supported on the pins 58. The transfer slide then holds the chain against the member 86 and part 9 again returns to its initial position. In the next forward movement of the part 9-? the pins 74, Z enter the bushing apertures, and upon the lateral feeding movement of the part 94x, the link with the parts connected thereto is moved to the right until the bushings in said link register with pins (35 on the part 63, and upon the advance of the .frame ll the Chain unit is con'ipleted by applyine; to the said bushings a corresponding outer link 103 (see Fig. 17a). Thus each advance of the transfer frame seri'es to present in sequence om left to right all of the elements con'xprising a link structure, to wit: an outer link.) two connecting;v bushings, two intermediate links servino to connect the said onter link with a pre aling outer link7 two intel' ediate links serving to connect the said outer link with a sueceeding outer link., and finally a second outer link seeuring said sets of intermediate links with the irst-named outer link, and forward, movement of the sliding tran.. er frame also effects the assembling of the said parts in their proper places in the chain structure.

Means are provided on the transfer frzui'ie f` ll to exert an extra pressure upon th:` bushings when transferred into register with lhe initial enter linl: so that the am;` max' lie irmly seated within the aperturcs o aid link, and also to excrt an ex 'a pressure upon the outer link 103 in f n'(:in the same upon the said bushings to cennik-try the chaiu unit at said point. To this end they rods (30 and 67 connected respectirely to the hushing-carrier and the brzu e plate 03 are given a forward thrust, after 'the Jterminution of each forward movement of transfer frame -l-l, by the fi'illowin:U` instrumentalitics (see Figs. 2, 3 and lG) olidingly moimi-ed upon the upper horizontal portion of main frame lf at the rear of the transfer frame is a frame lOi*1 operatively connected lij." means of stud screw 105 and friction roller l00 with the periphernl eain slot [07 of a (am wheel 108 fixed upon shaft 50* which cxtends longitudinalljiY of the main frame l1` end in line with shaft 50. Frame l0l is prorided with a transrerse Yerti(allj'-proiecting boss 109 which provided with threaded apei'tures to recoi'fl-i th r'aduced threaded ends of two studs ,110 each in line with one of the heads (30 and (SQ at the euds ef rods 01 and 07. t the end of a forwanl inovemcn't of trans.: fran'ir -l-;lthe studcarrying frame cont nu's to advance until studs llO eiei't a '-t upon rods 00 and '(37 in opposition t 02 and G0, und the bnshing-carrier and 7hrarlet plate (33 are each giifiren a forwzn'd thrust ''or the purpose hercinbefoie (l ibcd.

The driving mechaznsm for the machine includes a shaft lll.. extending transvo1z--e1v of the machine at the rear end thereo'li' ani'l 7nroridcal with a Lrnd wheel .1112 (See Fig. Shaft lll is journaled near ono end thereof within a bearingi` boss lll at the lower end of Y slcere 1ll looselliY litted upon. a stud '11:1 pro]ecting from frame lJ`` l"i and -l). l'lear its 01 posite end shaft lll. is journaled within a liearing block 110 lv 0 fi iii) forlned with a shouldered head 117 held n position by an elbow latch-level' 118 fulcrumed at 119 uponithe frame F. Intermediate of its length,` shaft 111 is provided with a worm 111* (see Fig- 2) in mesh with a worm wheel 120 fixed upon shaft 50. Motion istransmitted by shaft F0X to shaft 50 through a Safety-stop connection. That is to= say, the connection' is such that undue load imposed upon` themachine will render the connection ineffective to actuate` shaft 50 from shaft 50x and the parts drivcn by the latter, as will hereinafter more fully appear.

Theisafet? 5-t0p flnechansm.--The connection between shafts 50and 50 (see Figs. 2, 13 and 14) comprises a disk121 fixed upon the rearend of shaft 50 opposite to a disk 122 of similar diameter fixed upon the adjacent end of shaft 50; Into oppositelydisposed threaded aperturesin disk 122 are threaded the reduced ends of two socket members 123 each housing a springpressed l'rweled-faced plunger pin 124 adapted to enter one of two apertures 125 and 126 formed in the disk 121. Each of the socet members 123 .is provided witlr au aperturc at its rear end through which the stem of the plunger pin may be projected against the pressure of its spring. At the rear of the disk 122 and in line with the path of movement of the socket members 123 is a U-shaped plate 127 pivotally supported at 128 upon an arm 129 projecting from the main frame F. At its free end plate 127 :is formed with an ai'm 1277 in angular formation at its end and having a cam face 130 in contact with the upper arm of the elbow latch-lever 118.

T hroug'h the above described driving connections means are In'oviderfl for stopping the machine wheneverany of the Chain elements are improperly handled and jam the machine.l the increased load upon the disk 121 compelling` the beveled-face plunger pins 124 to move rearwardly, their stems forcing plate 127 baclm'ar lly and thereby lifting latch-level' 118 to release bearing block 9116, the resultant downward movemcnt of shaft 111 withdrawing its worm from engagenlent with worln wheel 120 and bringing` the entire machine to a stop.

The feeding'` pins Z' and c on the feeding means are spring yieldinv and are connected with. rods 138, 139 respectivcly mo'vable within parallel apk-xrturcs in brackf-it-140, the d bracket being' secured upon the upper race of the feed carriage 94 by screws 141. A. spiral spring 138a surrounds each rod 138, 139 intermediate the bracket 140 and a feediiniz pin and acts to maintain the pin norinally in forward position (see Figs. 3 and 18). The rods 1387 139 at their rear ends ahut Crank arms 142 143 dependinpf` respectively from a rockishafti144 and a second rock shaft 145` mounted to oscillate 'within sleeves146 at the upper ends of two brackets 147 secured upon the feed carriage 94 (see Fig. 11). ends are provided with the arms 148, 149 n contact with the upper ends of two vertical rods 150, 151 slidingly fitted within alined apertures formed in the bosses 152, 153 of a bracket 154 projecting from the main frame F (Fig. 11). Each rod 150, 151 at its lower end is in contact with one of two Safety-stop arms 155, 156 pivoted at 157 upon bracket 154` and pressed downward in contact with the periphery of cam wheel 136 by means of suitable Springs, such as 158 c (Fig. 11). The end of each Safety-stop arm 155, 156 lies in the path of one of two stop pins 159, 160 on` the cam wheel 136 (see Figs. 11 and 15) capable of stopping the machine when thrown into contact with the arm, by compelling the retraction of pins 124 in the driving disk 122, and the consequcnt movement of latch iever 118, the release of bearing block 116, and the withdrawal from worm wheel 120 of its driving worm, as hereinbefore described.

The stop and transfer mechanisms, however, are so timed that when at the termination of' a forward movement of the latter the bushing-carrier presses two bushngs into the adjacent end apertures of two links held on feeding pins a, Z) and c, (Z, the bushings force pins 7) and c backward-a movement which actuates each rod 138a and its connections to lift the stop arms out of the path of the stop pins 159a at the instant of the approach of the latter. But in event that an interruption occurs in the proper transfer of a bushing, its absence prevents the backward movement of one rod 138 or 139 and the stop mechanism causes the machine to come to a rest until the fault is remedied. A hand, foot or power operated lever may be employed to again lift shaft 111 into driving position; or rod 161 (Fig. 14) may be grasped by the operator in the lifting of the shaft and bearing block 116 by hand.

It is necessary, of course, that the relative positions of the Operating cams on shafts 50 if and 50x remain constant. Therefore in reconnecting disks 121 and 122 a given plunger pin 124 nimst always enter its appropriate aperture 125 and not the .second ajierture.

To this end one of the pins and its appropi'i- The rock shafts at their outer nierely a matter of size and proportion in the chute openlngs, length of transfer and .feed pins, width of stop shoulder, etc., to

eject tr: nsfer and feed a desired number of enter or intermediate links from any one or ail of the chntes. In Figs. 16 and 20 have illnst means for applying to the rods -i, 541, fllb the frictional pressure of resilient blocks 162 seated Within apertnres formed in the plates 52, 57, 63 and held in adjusted position by screivs 163 and 'caps In this manner the pins 54x, 58 and 65 are held against motion until the aforesaid rods are positively actuated by cam bar 8a. liny convenient mechanism other than the cam Wheel 49 and friction roller 41'? may be employed for imparting reciprocatory movement to the transfer' mechanism, and this is eqnally true With respect to each of the trains of mechanism employed in the mashine.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a feeding device, a transfer device adapted to receive a set of links and bushings and to transfer the same to the feeding device, and means for intermittently and relatively shifting the transfer and feeding devices to register' the links carried by one with the bushings carried by the other.

2. n a chain assembling machine, the combination of containers, a transfer device and means for delivering a set of links and bushings thereto from the containers, a feedii device receiving from the transfer' de'zne, and means for intermittently and relatively shifting the transfer and feeding` devices to register the links carried by one With the bushings carried by the other.

3. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a feeding device, a transfer device adapted to receive a set of links bnshings, means for moving the transfer device toward and from the feeding device, and means for shiftinzg` the feeding device prior to each operative movement of the transfer device.

4. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a feeding,` device, a transfer device adapted to receive a set of links and bnshings and to transfer links to bnshings held by the feeding device and bnshings to links held by said feeding device, means for intermittently shifting` the feedinp; device in reverse directions, and a supporting` means against which the links and bushings are held by the transfer device during` one movement of the feeding device.

5. In a chain assembling machine, theccombination of a feeding` device, a transfer device adapted to receive a set of links and bushings and to transfer links to bushings held by the feeding device and bushings to and links held by said feeding device, a series of pins carried by the fecding device and adapted to enter apertures in the links and bushings, a fixed supporting nielnber adjacent the pins of the feeding,r device, means for moving' the feeding device both longritudinally and transversely of the supporting member, and means for actnating the transfer device With an intermediate dvvell to hold the links and bushings against the supporting member during idle movemcnts of the feeding` device.

In a chain assembling machine, the comblnation of a container, a transfer device provided With a series of endwise-movable plunger pins, an ejector adapted to carry a set of apertured links from the container to the transfer device, means for supplying bushing's to the transfer device, means for retracting the said pins during` an active movement of the cjector and for thereafte projecting said bins into the link apertures, a feeding,` device receiving from the transfer device, and means for intermittently and relatively shifting the transfer and feeding devices to register' the links carried by one with the bushings carried by the other.

7. In a chain assembling` machine, the combination of a container, a transfer device provided With a series of endv\"isc-1novable pins, an ejector adapted to carry a set of links from the container to the transfer device, means for supplying bushings to the transfer device, means for retracting` the pins during the active movement of the ejeetor and for thereafter projecting` them into the link apertnres, a feeding,` device provided with a series of 'pins, a supporting plate intermediate the transfer andV feeding devices, actuating means for the feedino' mechanisni, and means for actuating the transfer mechanism to carry the set of links and bnshings against the snpporting` plate and there-after to retract the endvvise-movable `pins.

8. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a container, a t `ansfer device, means adapted to carry a set of links and bnshings from the container to the transfer device, a feeding device adapted to receive the said set of links and bnshings and position the same with respect to a succcedin set, and a supporting plate copernti'ng with the transfer device to hold the links and bnshings in position preliminary to the cn- `j ement thereof by the feeding` device.

ln a chain assembling machine, the combination of a container, a transfer device, of a stop shoulder on said transfer device and an endWise-movablo pin above said shouldcr, an ejector adapted to carry an apertnred link from the container into cngagement With the stop shoulder on the transfer device, and means for retracting said endWise-movable pin during the active nacaseo movement of the ejector and thereafter projecting said pin into a link aperture.

10. In a chain assembling machine, the combination with a chute and a transfer device, of a stop shoulder on said transfer device and an endvvse-movable pin above said shoulder, a spring-pressed beveled-top block below the month of said chute, an ejector having a depending nose engaged by said block and also having a shoulder above the upper Wall of the chute, means foi` reciprocating said ejector and means for retracting said endWise-movable pin duringthe active movement of the ejector.

,1.1. n a. chain assembling machine, the combination of a feeding device, a transfer device comprising a frame supporting a bushing-carrier and a plurality of link-carriers, means for actuating said frame to carry a set of links and bushings into register 'With a previously transferred set held by the feeding device, and means for thereafter imparting' a movement to the bushingcarrier and a, link-carrier relatively to the frame.

12. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a feeding device, a transfer device comprising a frame, a bushing-carrier and a plurality of link-carriers mounted on said frame, a rod projecting rear- Wardly from the bushing-carrier, a rod projiecting rearwardly from a link-carrier, a buffer spring for each rod, means for actuatin said frame to carry set of links and bushings into register With a prcviously transferred set held by the feeding device, and a contact member' ada-pted to thereafter engage and iinpart a thrust to said rods.

13, ln a chain assembling machine, in combination, a container, an ejector adapted to remove an apertured link from the container, a linl'c-carrier :in register With the ejcctor, a plungr-:r pin mounted on the carrier and adapted to enter a link aperture, and means for impartingr` eiidjwise movements to said pin.

14-. ln a chain assembling machine, the cmnbination of a series of chutes, an ejector adapted to remove a set of apertured links and lgiushings from said chutes, and a transfer device adapted to receive said set of links and lnishings and said transfer device coniprisingil a frame, a bushing-carrier, and a plurality of link-carriers o n said frame, plunger pins carried by said link-carrlers, a cam bar operatively connected ivlth the plung'er pins, and means acting upon sald cam bar to project said pins into the link apertures at the end of each active moveinent of the ejector.

15. ln a chain assembling machine, in

combination, a container, a device adapted to receive a set of links and bushings from the container, a feeding device and means for transferring said set to and into register With links and bushings held by the feeding device.

1G. In a chain assembliinr machine, in combination, a container, a Ieeding device, a device adapted to receive a set of links 'and bushings from said container, means for transferring' said set to the feeding` device, and means for interinittently and relatively shiftinn' the fceding device and the transferring means.

17. In a chain assembling machine, in combination, a bnshing and link transfer device comprising a frame, a bushing-carrier and a plurality of link-carriers mounted on said. frame, means Whereby the bushing-carrier and a link-carrier may be moved relatively to the frame, and a plurality of pins supported by the link-carriers.

18. In a chain assembling` machine, the combination of a container, a device adapted to transfer a set of links and bushings from said container, a feeding device adapted to receive said set and comprising a frame, :means for reciprocating said frame, a carriage slidably mounted on said frame and provided With holdingmeans for said set, and means for reciprocating said carriage i'elatively to the frame.

19. In a chain assembling machine, a feeding device for apertured links and bushings comprising' a supporting plate and a carriage provided 'With a series of pins adapted to enter the link and bushing apertures and to support the same adjacent said plate, means for imparting a bodily feedinz movement to the carriage, means for rotracting the carriage to Withdravv its pins from the link and bushing apertures preliminary to its return to initial feeding position, and means for clamp'ing the links and bushings against the supporting plate upon the retraction of the said carriage.

20. In a chain assemblingr machine, the combination of a container and a feeding device, of a transfer device provided With a series of pins and means whereby said pins are caused to enter the apertures of and to support links ejected'from the container, link-holding members carried. by the feeding device, means for moving' the transfer and feeding devices into coper: tive relation, and means 'Whereby the' pins of the transfer device may be retracted as the links supported thereby are tii'ansferrod to the feedingr device.

21. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a frame, a link transfer device and a feeding device, a hopper support-ed by said frame, a rotary cone Within and having a lower ciii'cumferential fiange communicating With an opening through the Wall of said hopper, a deflecting blade supported at one side of said opening, and means for rotating said cone.

22. In a chain assembling machine, the

combination of a frame, a link transfer device and a feeding device, a hopper supported by said frame, a rotary cone within and having a lower circumferential flange communicating with an opening` through the wall of said hopper, a defiecting` blade supported at one side of said opening, a channeled slideway communicating with said opening at the exterior of the hopper, a chute, an opening` in said slideway communicating` with said chute, and means for rotating said cone.

23. In a chain asseinbling machine, the combination of a frame, a link transfer device and a feeding device, a hopper supported by said frame, a rotary cone within and having a lower circumferential fiange communicating with an opening through the wall of said hopper, a deflecting blade supported at one side of said opening, a slideway communicating with said opening' at the exterior of the hopper, a chute, an opening` in said slideway communicating with said chute, a reciprocatory spring-yielding tamping device in register with the opening in said slideway.

24. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a frame, a link transfer device and a feeding device, a plurality of hoppers supported by said frame, a rotary cone within and having a lower circumferential flange communicating with an opening through the wall of each hopper, a de'clecting blade supported at one side of said opening, a series of chutes, a slideway intermediate each hopper opening and one chute, an opening in each slideway communicating` With its chute, a plate supported for reciprocatory movement in the frame, a plurality of housings in said plate, a spring-pressed tamping member in each housing and in register with a slideway opening, means for reciprocating said plate, and means for rotating each cone.

25. In a chain assembling` machine, the combination of a frame, a hopper supported thereby, a rotary cone.within the hopper and formed with a circumferential fiange communicating with an opening in the hopper wall, a beveled turning blade supported at the far side of the opening in the direction of rotation of the cone, a relatively short turning blade at the near side of the said opening, and means for rotating said cene.

26. In a chain assemhling machine, the combination of a frame, a link transfer device and a feeding` device, a receptacle supported on said frame and adapted to hold bushings, a chute leading from said receptacle, a sleeve embracing said chute and projecting` above the' same in the receptacle, and means for reciprocating said sleeve.

27. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of driving means including` a Safety-stop device, a container, a feeding device, means including a transfer device for delivering a set of links and bushinn's from the container to the feeding` device, and means carried by the fcedinp; device and Operating upon an interruptii'm in the delivery of bushingrs to throw into action the Safety-stop device.

28. In a chain asseinblinz; machine. the combination of driving` means including a driving` shaft and a stop device operable upon each rotation of the drivinr sha'l't, a container, feedina` device. means including a transfer device for leliverinnr a set of links and liushings from the container to the feeding` device. and means carried bv the feedingf device and including;` a liushine` delivered thereto for render-inf: the stop device inactive.

29. In a chain assembling nnu'hine. the combination of a frame, drivinp; meansI including' a driven shaft, a (ilriving; shaft` :i yielding` connection between the said shal'ts. a stop member carried by the driven shaf and a contact member therefor movablj; supported on the frame, an Operating nieniber adapted to move said contact member out of the path of the stop member. a cootainer for bushing's, a fcedineI device, meansl including' a transfer device for delivei'inr bushinn's from the containei' to the feedin); device, and means carried by the fecding: device and including` a bushing delivered thereto for actuatinp,` said opcratin: member.

30. In a chain assemblinn' machine, the combination of a frame and (lriiving' means including a driven :'-haft and a` driving ssha ft. a yielding` connection between said V.--=h:1fls. a pivotally mounted power-transmittingr shaft and a latch device holding;` the same normally in operative engagement with the driving shaft, a. container. a fccdinn' device. means including' a transfer device for delivering a set of links and bushinpgs from the container to the feeding device, and an operative connection between said vichlinn` connection and the latch device acting;` to movi` the latter to releasing` position `when :1hnormal drag; upon the machine overcomes` the said yielding connection.

81. In an assembline' machine for a ehain compof-:ed of apertnred links and a connect'- ine; element fitted within the alined aperture or successive links, a device :ulapted to receive and support a link, a device adapted to receive and support a connectine' chain/mit in register with an aperture of paid link. and means for relatively moving` the said devices toward and from each other.

82. In an assemblinn' machine for a chain composed of apertured links and a connecting element fitted within the alined :ipertures of successive links, a device adapted to receive and support a link, a device adapted to receive and support a connecting element in registn' with an aperture of said link,

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means for relatively moving the said devices toward and from each other to assemble the chain elements supported thereby, and means for progressivelyfeeding the chain thus assemhled.

In a machine for assembling a chain comprising links and bushings, means for arranging the links and bnshings in a predeterlnined order, and means for progressively bringing the links and bushings into the positions relative to each other which they occupy in the finished chain, and for securing the same together.

34. In a machine for assembling a chain comprising links and cross connecting elements, means for arranging the links and connecting elements in predetermined order, and means for progressively bringing the links and connecting elements into the positions relative to each other which they occupy in the finished chain, and for secur- ;ing the same together.

35. In a machine for assembling a chain comprising links and bushings, means for arranging the links and bnshings in a predetermined order, and means entering the openings in the links and bushings for progressively bringing the links and bnshings into positions relative to each. other which they occnpy :in the finished chain, and for secnring the same together.

36. In a machine for assembling a Chain. comprising links and bnshings, means for arranging the links and bushings in a predetermined order, and pin means entering the openings in the links and bnshings for progressively bringing the links and bnshings into positions relative to each. other which they occupy in the finished chain, and for securing the same together.

37. In a machine for assembling a chain comprising links and bushings,` means for supporting a plnrality of links and bashings in a predetermined order, means for supplying links and bushings to said supporting means, means for imparting a forward movement to said supporting means, a feeding mechanism having| movement to- Ward said snpportiing means and also transversely of the latter, and means carried by the feeding means for receiving links and 'bnshings from the said snpporting means and moving them progressively into the positions they occnpy in the finished chain and for securing the same together.

38. In a machine for assembling a chain comprising links and bnshings, means for sn]')porting a plurality of links and bnshings in a predetermined order, means for supplying links and bnshings to said supporting means, means for imparting a for- 7ard movement to said supporting means, a feeding mechanism having movement toward said supporting means and also transversely of the latter, and pin means carried by the feeding means for receiving links and bushings from the said snpporting means and moving them progressively into the positions` they occupy in the finished vchain and for secnring the same together.

39. In a chain. assembling` machine, the combination of a feeding device having a plnrality of spaced pins, a transfer device adapted to receive a set of links and bashings and to transfer the same to said pins, and means for interi'nittently and relatively shifting said transfer and feeding devices for progressively bringing' the links into the relative positions which they occnpj! ;in the finished chain, and for secnring the same together.

40. In a machine for assen'ibling a chaii'fi comprising links and bnshings, means for arranging the links and bnshings :in a predetermined order, a feeding device having a pluralty of pins, a snpporting member between said first-named means and said feeding device, means for moving said firstnamed means to hold the links and bashings carried thereby against said support- ,ing member, means for moving' the feedingl means toward said first-named means Vto cause said pins to enter the said links and bushings held against said member, means for retracting said .{irst-named means, aifn'l means for mox'fing the feeding means laterally to progressively move the link:l and bnshings previonsly delivered thereto to another position relative to the first-nained means to receive another set of links and bnshings in progressive assembling relation to the said links and bnsh'ings previonsljv delivered to said pins.

41. In a chan assembling` machine, the combination of a feeding device, transfer means comprisingf a bnshing carrier and a plnrality of link carriers, a buffer spring for each carrier, means for moving;l sarii'l carriers to carry a set of links and bnshings into assembling register with a 'previously transferred set held by the feeding device, and means to thereafter impart a thrnst to said bushing carrier and one of said link carriers. i

42. In a chain assembling machine, the combination ofa feeding device, transfer means comprising a link carrier a bnshing carrier and a second and third link carrier arranged in seqnence, a pair of projectahle and retractable pins associated with each link carrier and adapted to be projected through apertnres of links on said carrierrs.` means for causing relative nnwement between said carriers and feeding` device to transfer links and bnshin therefrom to thefeeding device, and means for moving` said feeding device into position to register the set of links and bushings carried therehy with subsequent links ancl bnshings transferred by the transfer device.

43. n a chain assembling machine, the combination of a feeding device, a transfer device comprising a frame, a bushing-carrier and a plnrality of link-carriers niounted on said frame, a buffer spring` for the bushimg` carrier and a link carrier, means for actuating` said frame to transfer bushings and links to said feeding` device, and means to thereafter impart a thrust to said bushingcarrier and the link-carrier having a buifer spring.

44:. In a chain assembling` machine, the combination of a transfer device comprising a bushing carrier and a plurality of link carriers, a feeding` device, means for causing relative movement between the transfer device and the feeding device to transfer links and bushings from the foriner to the latter, and means to impart an additional relative thrust to the bushing carrier and one of said link carriers.

45. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a transfer device having means for supporting a link, a pair of bushings, a second link, and a third link in sequence, feeding means to receive said links and bushings from the transfer device and 'to advance the same relative to a subsequent set of links and bnshings supported by the transfer device, and means to cause a relative movement between the transfer device and the feeding` device to assemble the advanced set of links and bushings with the subsequentlj,T transferred set of links and bushing's.

46. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a transfer device having means for supporting a link, a pair of bushings, a second link and a third link in sequence, a supporting means, means to cause a relative movement between the transfer device and said means whereby the links and bushings are held between said transfer device and snpporting means, feeding means receiving the links and bushings while. so held, means for moving said feeding means to advance said links and bushings relative to a subsequent set of links and bnshings supported by the transfer device, and for causing relative movement between the transfer device and the feeding` device to assemble the chain parts carried by one with the chain parts carried by the other.

4:7. In a machine for assembling a chain comprising` links and bushings, means for arranging the links and bushings in a predetermined order, and means for progressively bringing the links and bushings into the positions relative to each other which they occupy in the finished chain, and for seeuring the same together, driving means for Operating` both said means, and means for automatically Stepping said driving means upon derangement of one of said chain parts from proper position for asseln bling.

48. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a 'tmnsfcr means comprising a reciprocablc frame, a link-carrier, a bushing-carrier, and second and third linkcarriers arrangcd in seqnence on and carried by said frame, said lmshing-carrier and third link-carricr being reciprecalile relative to said frame, a relatively fixed supporting member against which links and bushings are held on one' movcment of reciprocation of said frame, a fecdinr,r device reciprocable toward and away from said frame and said support, means for moving` said feeding device toward the frame to receive chain parts held by said carriers, and means for imparting an additional mevement to the lnishing-carricr and third link carrier while the feeding device is cngaged with the chain parts carried by said carriers.

4:9. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a transfer means comprisino; a reciprocable frame, a link-carrier, a bushing-carrier, and second and third linkcarriers arranged in sequence on and ca rricd bv said frame, said bushingwarricr and third link-carricr being; recipi'o':ablc relative to said frame, a relativel57 fixed support ing member against which links and bnshings are held on one movement of reciprocation of said frame, a fccding device reciprocable toward and away from said frame and said support, and also rcciprocable transversely of the same, means for moving' said fceding' device toward the frame to receive chain parts held by said carriers. means for imparting an additional move ment to the bushing' carrier and third link carrier while the fceding device is enrared with the Chain parts carried by said carriers, and means for reciprocalina` said feeding' means transverselv of said frame.

50. In a chain assemblino` machine. the combination of a transfer means comprising a reciprocable frame, a link-carrier. a bushing-carrier and second and third link-carriers arranged in sequence on and carried by said frame, said bushing-carrier and third link-carrier being rcciprocable relative to said frame, a pair of pins on each link-carrier, a relativelv fixed snpportinn' member against which links and bnshings are held on one movemcnt of recinrocation of said frame. means for projecting' said pins through the links while the latter are being; carried toward said snpportinz member, a feeding device reciprocable toiiard and away from said frame and said support, and means for moving said feedinr device toward the frame to receive chain parts held by said carriers, and means for impartingl an additional movement to the bushing-carrier and third link-carrier while the feeding device is engaged With the chain parts carried by said carriers.

51. In a `chain assembling machine, the combination of two means movable toward and away 'from each other to assemble chain parts comprising links and bushings, means' for supplying links and bushings to said means for asscmbling thereby driving means for imparting relative movement to said two means, and means whereby absence of a bushing from assembli'ig position stops the assembling movement of said assembling means.

52. In a chain assembling machine, a transfer device and a feeding device adapted to assemble links and bushings into chain form, said feeding device including a pin adapted to receive a bushing, driving means, and means Whereby the absence of a bushing on said pin stops said driving means.

53. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of a means to support a plurality of links and bushings in a predeter-' mined order, means to supply links and bushings to said first-named means, means adapted to receive a set of links and bushi ings from said first-named means, means to 'cause relative movement between said firstnamed means, and said receiving means to transfer' links and bushings from one to the other in assembled relation, and means for imparting a feeding movement to said receiving means while the chain parts are carried thereby.

54. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of two mechanisms one of which is adapted to primarily receive and support a set of links and bushings in a predetermined order, means to cause relative movement between said mechanisms whereby said set of links and bushings is transfererd to the other mechanism, means for causing feeding movement of said other mechanism so as to carry the chain parts thereon in position to be assembled with a subsequent set carried by the mechanism for primarilyreceiving and supporting said links and bushings.

55. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of means for supporting links and bushings in a predetermined order, holding means, means for causing a relative movement between said first-named means and holding means to support links and bushings, feeding means movable into position to receive said links and bushings from said first-named means while the latter is in said holding position, means for imparting a lateral feeding movement to said feeding means in the direction of the chain length while the first-named means is out of holding relation to the holding means.

56. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of means for supporting links and bushings in a predetermined order, holding means, means for causing a relative movement between said first-named means and holding means to support links and bushings, feeding means movable into position to receive said links and bushings from said first-named means while the latter is in said holding position, means for imparting a lateral .feeding movement to 'said feeding means in the direction of the chain length While the first-named means /is out of holding relation to the holding means, and means for returning the feeding means to initial position to engage the chain parts.

57. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of means for supporting links Iand bushings in a predetermined order, a holding member, means for reeiprocating said first-named member toward and away from said holding member and to hold said links and bushings against said' member, feeding means for coperating With the first-named means to receive links and bushings therefrom in assembled relation, means for *causing a feeding movement of the feeding means :in the direction of the chain length While the first-named member is out of holding relation to the said holding member, and means for returning the feeding means to initial position receiving the links and bushings during the holding action of said first-named means.

58. In a chain assembling machine, the combination of means for supporting links and bushings in a predetermined order, a holding member, means for reciprocating said first-named member toward and away from said holding member and to hold said links and bushings against said member, feeding means for coperating With the first--named means to receive links and bushings therefrom in assembled relation, means for eausing a feeding movement of lthe feeding means in the direction of the. chain length while the first-named member is out of holding relation to the said holding member, means for returning the feeding means to initial position receiving the links and bushings during the holding action of said first-named means, and feeding means each including a plurality of pins adapted to enter the apertures of the links and the bores of the bushings.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRIEDERIoI-I MLLER.

W'itnesses PARK C. BoYD, C. A. Pmsn. 

